Rattrapante
A split-seconds chronograph with two superimposed seconds hands. The second hand can be stopped to record an intermediate time while the first continues, then synchronised back.
A rattrapante (from French "to catch up") is a split-seconds chronograph variant with two superimposed seconds hands. One acts as the standard chronograph hand. The second can be stopped to record an intermediate time while the first continues to track elapsed seconds. Pressing the rattrapante pusher again snaps the stopped hand back into alignment with the still-running first hand.
The mechanism is also known as a "doppelchronograph" in German or "split-seconds" in English.
What it measures
A rattrapante measures multiple simultaneous events that start together. The classic use case is timing two runners in a race that started at the same moment: when the first finishes, stop the rattrapante hand to record their time; the second hand keeps running for the second finisher; then sync the rattrapante hand back to record the gap.
For watch dealers and collectors, the rattrapante is rare and expensive. It is found on high-end chronographs from a handful of houses.
How the mechanism differs
A standard chronograph has one seconds hand controlled by two pushers (start/stop and reset). A rattrapante adds:
- A second superimposed seconds hand on the same arbor.
- A clutch mechanism that holds the second hand stationary while the first continues.
- A separate pusher (usually integrated into the crown) that releases the held hand to snap back into sync.
The mechanism requires precise timing in manufacture. A poorly-adjusted rattrapante shows visible offset when the held hand snaps back into sync.
Where it appears
- Patek Philippe 5370P: rattrapante chronograph in platinum, current.
- Patek Philippe 5950A: vintage steel rattrapante.
- A. Lange & Söhne Double Split (404.035) and Triple Split (424.038): minute and hour rattrapante extensions, mechanically unprecedented.
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph.
- Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication.
Pricing implication
A rattrapante commands roughly 2-3x the price of an equivalent chronograph from the same brand. New rattrapantes from the houses listed above start around €100,000 and reach mid-six figures for the Lange Double and Triple Split.
Versus flyback
A flyback resets and restarts the chronograph in one action. A rattrapante splits the seconds hand to record an intermediate time. They are different complications with different uses and are sometimes combined in a single watch.
Related: chronograph, flyback, tourbillon.